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What is the difference between a moth and a butterfly?
Both moths and butterflies belong to the Lepidoptera, but there are many physical and behavioural differences between the two. With regards to their behaviour, butterflies are diurnal (active during the day) whereas moths are nocturnal. When resting, butterflies tend to rest their wings back, while moths flatten them against their body. The pupal stage is […]
The British ‘death moth’
New research has found a species of moth, found in the UK, uses Cyanide to warn off predators. The Six-Spot Burnet Moth is covered in in red spots to warn off predators and can be found across the UK including Cornwall. This moth is unlikely to attack humans and even if it did it’s unlikely […]
The smallest moth in the world
The Stigmella maya has a wingspan of 2.5mm and is the smallest moth known to science. But how small do you need to be to be classed as a micro-moth? Mico-moths are the smallest moths in the world and usually have a wingspan measuring less than 20mm. As they are so tiny, they are incredibly […]
Destructive winter moths
Operophtera brumata, commonly called the Winter Moth is an insect that can be rather destructive to fruit trees and ornamental trees. Trees commonly found with damage caused by this moth are beech, flowering cherries, cotoneaster, crab apples, dogwoods, hawthorns, sycamores and willows. The damage is caused is caused by the female which emerges from the […]
5 Wonderful & Weird Moths
Luna moth The Luna moth has beautiful, shimmering green wings with “tails”. This type of moth does not have a mouth and its sole purpose is mating! Hummingbird Hawkmoth The Hummingbird Hawkmoth looks very much like a Hummingbird, hence the name. It hums when it flies, and hovers and it feeds […]
The importance of moths
Although overlooked, moths are numerous and widespread throughout the UK. Over 2500 species are currently residing in the UK in a range of habitats – they play a major part in our biodiversity and play key roles in our ecosystem, affecting many other types of wildlife. Adult moths and their caterpillars are food for a […]
Are moths and butterflies in danger this summer?
According to a scientific study that has been carried out, it found that 54 of 207 species of moth and butterflies suffered a major population crash in the heatwave of 1976. The drought caused a lack of food sources for the next generation of moths and butterflies. Common butterflies took up until 1984 to recover, […]
Clothes Moths on the rise
Finding holes or damage in your clothes must be one of the most frustrating things, but what is causing the damage? Most likely the perpetrators are clothes moths, who’s larva feed on Keratin (a form of protein found in animal skin and hair). The adult female clothes moth will lay her eggs in an area […]
Operation Clothes Moth
An alarmingly high number of clothes moths found in England A year-long study has been carried out by English Heritage in the UK and they’ve discovered an “alarmingly high” number of destructive clothes moths in England’s warmer regions, most notable London. A series of mild winters are thought to be the cause of this spike […]
Scientist finds blue moth, which was last seen in 1887
Marta Skowron Volponi, a Polish entomologist, has found and recorded footage of a bee-like moth called the Oriental Blue Clearwing. This type of moth has not been seen since 1887. It is identified by the unique blue sheen of its wings, and light reflecting blue scales. Marta knew instantly that she had found a new […]